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Welcome to Best English Online.
>> Hi, can I ask you something?
>> Of course, Tom. What's on your mind?
>> I'm really frustrated with my English.
>> Why? What happened?
>> I watch English videos every day.
>> That's great. How much do you
understand?
>> Honestly, I understand most of them.
Then what's the problem?
>> When I try to speak, my mind goes blank.
>> You can't find the words.
>> Exactly. It's like the words disappear.
>> How long have you been learning English?
>> For almost a year now.
>> And how often do you speak English?
>> Not very often.
What do you mean by not very often?
>> Maybe once or twice a week.
>> Do you speak English every day?
>> No, I don't.
>> Do you talk to yourself in English?
>> No, that feels a little strange.
>> Do you practice speaking after watching
videos?
>> Not really,
>> Tom. I think I see the problem.
>> Really? What is it?
>> You're training your ears, but you're
not training your mouth.
>> What does that mean?
>> You spend a lot of time listening.
>> That's true.
>> But speaking is a different skill.
>> I thought listening would improve my
speaking automatically. Listening
helps, but it's not enough.
>> So that's why I can't speak fluently.
>> Exactly. Your brain understands English,
but it doesn't have enough speaking
practice.
>> That makes sense.
>> Let me ask you something.
>> Sure.
>> Can you learn to swim by watching
swimming videos?
No, of course not.
>> Why not?
>> Because I need to get into the water and
practice.
>> That's exactly how speaking works.
>> Wow, I've never thought about it that
way.
>> Your brain learns to speak by speaking.
>> So, what should I do?
>> Start with simple sentences.
Like what?
>> Try talking about your day.
>> Even if I'm alone.
>> Especially if you're alone.
>> Really?
>> Yes. No pressure. No fear of mistakes.
>> That sounds easier.
>> For example, you can say, "I'm sitting
in the park."
>> I'm sitting in the park.
>> Good. Now say, "The weather is nice
today."
>> The weather is nice today.
>> Excellent. How do you feel?
>> A little nervous, but also happy.
>> That's a good start.
>> I didn't realize speaking could be this
simple.
>> Many learners make the same mistake.
>> They listen too much.
>> Yes. and they speak too little.
>> I think that's exactly what I've been
doing.
>> Don't worry, you can change that.
>> From today, I'll practice speaking every
day.
>> Great decision.
>> Even if it's only a few minutes.
>> Yes, daily practice is more important
than long practice.
>> Thank you, Jennifer.
You're welcome, Tom.
>> I already feel more confident.
>> And this is only the beginning.
I'm ready to train my brain in English.
>> That's the spirit.
>> Jennifer, can I tell you something
funny?
>> Sure. What is it?
>> I think my brain is fighting with me.
>> [laughter]
>> That sounds serious.
>> I'm serious.
>> Okay, now I'm curious.
>> A few minutes ago, I wanted to tell you
something in English.
>> And
>> I knew exactly what I wanted to say.
>> That's good.
>> But I couldn't say it.
>> Why not?
My brain got stuck.
>> What were you trying to say?
>> I wanted to say that I was excited about
today's lesson.
>> That's a simple sentence.
>> I know. That's why I'm frustrated.
>> What happened in your head?
>> First, I thought about it in my
language.
>> Okay.
>> Then I started looking for English
words.
I see.
>> By the time I found the words, the
moment was gone.
>> That happens to many learners.
>> Really?
>> All the time.
>> Sometimes people ask me a question in
English.
>> Then what do you do?
>> I smile.
>> That's not a bad start.
>> Then I panic inside.
>> [laughter]
>> Now that's honest.
>> While they're waiting for an answer, I'm
busy translating everything.
>> That sounds exhausting.
>> It is.
>> Let me ask you something.
>> Go ahead.
>> When you're hungry, do you translate the
feeling?
>> No.
When you're tired, do you translate the
feeling?
>> No.
>> You just know it, right?
>> Right.
>> English should become the same.
>> You mean I shouldn't translate every
sentence?
>> Exactly.
>> But how?
Start with simple thoughts
>> like
>> right now. What are you thinking?
>> I'm thinking that I'm thirsty.
>> Great. Say it in English.
>> I'm thirsty.
>> Perfect.
>> That was easy
>> because you didn't translate a long
sentence.
>> I just said what I felt.
>> That's the secret.
So instead of translating I should think
directly in English
>> little by little. Yes.
>> What if I don't know all the words?
>> Then use easier words.
>> Really?
>> Of course.
>> I always feel I need perfect English.
>> Nobody speaks perfectly all the time.
That's good to hear.
>> Communication is more important than
perfection.
>> I think I understand now.
>> Tell me.
>> My problem isn't English.
>> Then what is it?
>> My habit of translating everything
>> exactly.
>> So from today I'll try to think in small
English sentences.
That's a great exercise.
>> It might feel strange at first.
>> Every new habit feels strange,
>> but if it helps me speak faster, I'm
ready.
>> Good. Your brain is already starting to
change.
>> For the first time, I actually believe
that.
Jennifer, can I confess something? Of
course. What's bothering you now?
>> I think my memory is broken.
>> Why do you say that?
>> Because I keep forgetting English words.
>> How often?
>> Almost every day.
>> Give me an example.
>> Last night I learned five new words.
>> That's great.
>> Not really.
Why not?
>> This morning I could only remember one
of them.
>> That sounds familiar.
>> Familiar.
>> Many English learners have the same
problem.
>> Really?
>> Yes. They learn words today and forget
them tomorrow.
>> That's exactly what happens to me.
>> Tell me how you learn new words.
I write them in a notebook.
>> Good.
>> Then I read them several times.
>> Anything else?
>> Not really.
>> Do you use the words in conversation?
>> No.
>> Do you make sentences with them?
>> Usually not.
>> Then I think I found the problem.
>> That was prick.
You're collecting words, but you're not
using them.
>> Isn't memorizing enough?
>> Let me ask you something.
>> Okay.
>> If you buy a guitar and put it in a
corner, will you become a musician?
>> No.
>> Why not?
>> Because I have to play it.
>> Exactly.
>> So words are the same.
Yes, your brain remembers what it uses.
>> That makes sense.
>> Do you remember the word confess?
>> Yes, I used it a few minutes ago.
>> Great. Let's practice with it.
>> How?
>> Make a sentence.
>> I want to confess something.
>> Good. Another one.
He confessed the truth.
>> Excellent. One more.
>> She confessed her mistake.
>> Perfect.
>> That wasn't difficult.
>> And now you'll probably remember the
word longer
>> because I used it.
>> Exactly.
>> I think I see my mistake now.
>> What mistake?
I learn words like a collector.
>> That's a good description.
>> I collect them, but I never use them.
>> And words become useful only when they
become part of your life.
>> So what should I do when I learn a new
word?
>> Use it immediately.
>> Immediately.
>> Yes. Make at least three sentences with
it.
>> Three sentences.
>> That's right.
>> What if the sentences are simple?
>> Simple is fine.
>> Really?
>> Absolutely.
>> Sometimes I try to make perfect
sentences.
>> That's another mistake learners make.
>> Why?
because they spend more time worrying
than practicing.
>> That sounds like me.
>> Learning a word should be active,
>> not just reading it again and again.
>> Exactly.
>> You know, this explains a lot.
>> What do you mean?
>> I have pages of vocabulary in my
notebook.
But very few of those words are in your
daily speech.
>> Yes.
>> Then from today, let's change that.
>> One new word, three sentences.
>> That's the plan.
>> It sounds much easier than memorizing
long lists.
>> Because your brain learns through use,
not through storage.
I wish someone had told me this months
ago.
>> Better late than never.
>> You're right.
>> So, what's today's new word?
>> Improve.
>> Great choice.
>> I want to improve my English.
>> Good.
>> Reading helps me improve.
>> Excellent.
Daily practice will improve my speaking.
>> Perfect.
>> Hey, this is actually fun.
>> That's because you're finally using the
words instead of just collecting them.
>> I think my brain likes this method.
>> Then let's keep training it.
You've been quiet for a few minutes.
I've been thinking
>> about English again.
>> How did you know?
>> Because that's all we've talked about
today.
[laughter]
>> Fair point.
>> So, what's on your mind?
>> I think I know my biggest problem.
>> Bigger than forgetting words?
>> Much bigger.
Tell me,
>> I'm afraid of making mistakes.
>> Ah,
>> every time I speak English with someone,
I get nervous.
>> What are you nervous about?
>> What if I say something wrong?
>> Anything else?
>> What if people laugh at me?
>> I see.
>> What if my grammar is wrong?
That's a common fear.
>> Sometimes I know the answer.
>> Then why don't you say it?
>> Because I start thinking too much.
>> What happens then?
>> I change the sentence in my head again
and again.
>> Trying to make it perfect.
>> Exactly.
And while you're doing that, the
conversation moves on
>> every single time.
>> Has anyone ever laughed at your English?
>> Not really.
>> Then where does the fear come from?
>> I don't know.
>> Maybe you're expecting too much from
yourself.
>> What do you mean?
>> You speak English like a learner.
That's true.
>> So why do you expect yourself to sound
like a native speaker?
>> I never thought about it that way.
>> Learning means making mistakes.
>> I know that.
>> Do you really believe it?
>> Maybe not.
>> Let me ask you something.
>> Okay. When you learned to ride a
bicycle, did you fall?
>> Many times.
>> Did you quit?
>> No.
>> Why not?
>> Because falling was part of learning.
>> Exactly.
>> So, mistakes are like falling off the
bicycle.
>> That's a perfect comparison.
>> But mistakes feel embarrassing.
only for a few seconds.
>> That's true.
>> Learning lasts much longer.
>> I never looked at it that way.
>> Let me tell you a secret.
>> What secret?
>> Even advanced English speakers make
mistakes.
>> Really?
>> Of course.
I thought fluent speakers were perfect.
>> Nobody is perfect.
>> That's actually comforting.
>> Good.
>> Can I tell you something embarrassing?
>> Go ahead.
>> Last week I wanted to say I'm excited.
>> Okay.
>> But I accidentally said I'm exciting.
[laughter]
See, that's why I'm afraid.
>> Tom, that's not a disaster.
>> It felt like one.
>> Did the person understand you?
>> Yes.
>> Then communication happened.
>> I guess you're right.
>> And now you'll probably never forget the
difference.
>> That's true.
Why?
>> Because of the mistake.
>> Exactly.
>> So, the mistake actually helped me
learn.
>> That's what mistakes do.
>> Wow.
>> Every mistake teaches your brain
something new.
>> Instead of being afraid of mistakes, I
should learn from them.
That's the mindset of a successful
learner.
>> You know what?
>> What?
>> I'm tired of waiting for perfect
English.
>> Good.
>> From now on, I'm going to speak more.
>> Even if you make mistakes,
>> especially if I make mistakes.
>> That's what I wanted to hear.
I think I understand now.
>> Tell me.
>> Mistakes are not proof that I'm failing.
>> Correct.
>> They're proof that I'm learning.
>> Exactly.
>> That feels much better.
>> Good. Because our next lesson will need
a brave Tom, not a scared Tom.
Then I guess I'd better keep talking.
>> That's the spirit.
>> Why are you smiling?
>> Those grammar books remind me of myself.
>> Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
>> Honestly, I'm not sure.
>> Why?
>> Because I spend so much time studying
grammar.
>> How much time?
>> At least an hour every day.
That's a lot.
>> I know grammar rules.
>> That's great.
>> But I still can't speak smoothly.
>> What happens when you dry?
>> My brain becomes very slow.
>> Slow how?
>> Someone asks me a simple question.
>> Okay.
>> Then my brain starts checking grammar.
before you answer.
>> Yes.
>> What kind of things do you think about?
>> Tenses.
>> Anything else?
>> Word order.
>> Anything else?
>> Grammar rules.
>> That's a lot to think about during a
conversation.
>> Exactly.
>> And while you're thinking, the other
person is waiting.
That's what makes me nervous.
>> Let me guess.
>> Go ahead.
>> You can do grammar exercises quite well.
>> Very well, actually.
>> But real conversations feel different.
>> Completely different.
>> That's because conversations move
quickly.
>> Yes.
>> People don't stop and wait while you
check grammar rules.
I wish they did. [laughter]
>> That would make life easier.
>> Definitely.
>> Let me ask you something.
>> Okay.
>> How do you say your name?
>> My name is Tom.
>> Did you think about grammar before
saying it?
>> No.
>> Why not?
>> Because I've said it thousands of times.
Exactly.
>> Wait a minute.
>> What
>> are you saying? I need to repeat
sentences more often.
>> That's exactly what I'm saying.
>> Not just study grammar.
>> Grammar is useful.
>> But
>> speaking requires automatic habits.
>> Automatic habits.
>> Yes. Sentences should come naturally,
>> like driving a car.
>> That's a great example.
>> When I first learned to drive, I thought
about everything.
>> Mirrors, pedals, steering wheel.
>> Exactly.
>> And now,
>> now I do those things without thinking.
>> That's what speaking should feel like.
So, how can I train that?
>> Practice common sentence patterns
>> such as
>> I like
>> I like coffee.
>> Good.
>> I like English movies.
>> Excellent.
>> I like learning new words.
>> Perfect.
>> That's easy
>> because the pattern stays the same.
I just changed the last part.
>> Exactly.
>> Give me another one.
>> I need
>> I need more practice.
>> Good.
>> I need some water.
>> Nice.
>> I need a new notebook.
>> Excellent.
This feels much faster
>> because you're training your brain to
use patterns
>> instead of building every sentence from
zero.
>> Exactly.
>> I think that's one of my biggest
mistakes.
>> What is
>> I try to create perfect sentences every
time I speak.
>> That takes too much mental energy.
No wonder I get tired.
>> Fluent speakers use thousands of
familiar patterns.
>> They don't invent every sentence.
>> Not usually.
>> That's interesting.
>> The more patterns you practice, the
faster you'll speak.
>> So speaking fast isn't magic.
>> Not at all.
>> It's training.
Exactly.
>> You know what?
>> What?
>> For the first time, speaking English
feels possible.
>> That's because you're learning how the
brain works.
>> Less worrying,
>> more practice,
>> less analyzing,
>> more speaking.
>> I like that plan.
>> Then let's keep going.
I'm ready for the next challenge.
>> That's what I like to hear.
>> Jennifer, can I be honest with you?
>> Of course.
>> I think I found another problem.
>> That's becoming your favorite sentence
today.
>> Maybe.
>> So, what's the problem this time?
English is only a small part of my day.
>> What do you mean?
>> Every evening I study English for about
30 minutes.
>> That's good.
>> Then I close my book and forget about
English
>> until the next day.
>> Exactly.
>> Let me ask you something.
>> Sure.
How many hours are there in a day?
>> 24.
>> And how many minutes do you spend with
English?
>> About 30.
>> So English is part of your life for only
30 minutes.
>> When you say it like that, it sounds
terrible.
[laughter]
>> I'm not trying to be mean,
>> but you're right.
What language do you use for the rest of
the day?
>> My native language
>> at home?
>> Yes.
>> At work?
>> Yes.
>> In your thoughts?
>> Definitely.
>> Then your brain spends almost all day
away from English.
>> I never thought about that.
Learning a language is like making a new
friend.
>> A new friend?
>> Yes.
>> How?
>> If you meet a friend for 30 minutes a
day and ignore them the rest of the
time, the friendship grows slowly.
>> That's true.
>> The more time you spend together, the
stronger the friendship becomes.
So, I need to spend more time with
English.
>> Exactly.
>> But I don't have hours to study every
day.
>> I didn't say study.
>> You didn't.
>> No, I said spend time with English.
>> What's the difference?
>> Studying is only one way to learn.
>> Then what else can I do?
Let me show you.
>> I'm listening.
>> Look around us.
>> Okay.
>> What do you see?
>> A bus.
>> Say it in a sentence.
>> The bus is stopping.
>> Good.
>> That was easy.
>> Now look over there.
>> I see a woman carrying shopping bags.
Great.
>> Are you saying I should describe things
in English?
>> Exactly.
>> Even when I'm alone,
>> especially when you're alone,
>> nobody will think I'm strange.
>> If you say it quietly, nobody will even
notice.
>> Fair point.
>> Another habit is thinking in English.
That's still difficult for me.
>> Start with simple thoughts
>> like what?
>> What are you thinking right now?
>> I'm enjoying this walk.
>> Perfect.
>> That's actually a useful sentence.
>> Everyday thoughts are the best practice.
>> What else can I do?
>> Talk to yourself.
You really like that idea
>> because it works.
>> What should I talk about?
>> Your plans, your day, your opinions.
>> Like a conversation with myself.
>> Exactly.
>> That sounds a little funny.
>> Maybe, but it's powerful.
>> You know what?
>> What?
I always thought English learning
happened only at a desk.
>> That's another common mistake.
>> English can happen anywhere.
>> That's right.
>> While walking.
>> Yes.
>> While shopping.
>> Yes.
>> Even while brushing my teeth.
>> Absolutely.
H. Now that's dedication.
>> The goal is simple.
>> What's that?
>> Stop making English a school subject.
>> And make it part of my life.
>> Exactly.
>> I think I understand now.
>> Tell me.
>> 30 minutes of study is good.
>> Yes.
But I should also bring English into my
daily activities.
>> Perfect.
>> That way my brain sees English all day.
>> And that's how real progress happens.
>> You know, English doesn't feel as
difficult as it did this morning
>> because you're learning how to train
your brain, not just how to memorize
English.
That's probably the biggest lesson of
all.
>> And you're doing a great job.
>> Thanks, Jennifer.
>> You're welcome, Tom.
>> Tom.
>> Hi, Jennifer. It's great to see you
again.
>> Wow.
>> What?
>> You sound different.
different in a good way or a bad way.
>> Definitely in a good way.
>> That's nice to hear.
>> You seem more relaxed.
>> I feel more relaxed.
>> So, tell me everything.
>> Where should I start?
>> Start with the biggest change.
I'm speaking more English now.
>> Every day.
>> Every single day.
>> That's fantastic.
>> I talk to myself while walking.
>> Really?
>> Yes. Sometimes I describe what I see
around me.
>> Just like we practiced.
>> Exactly.
How does it feel?
>> Strange sometimes.
[laughter]
>> That's normal.
>> But it also feels natural now.
>> That's a great sign.
>> And something interesting happens last
week.
>> Tell me.
>> A tourist asked me for directions
>> in English.
Yes.
>> What did you do?
>> I answered him.
>> That's wonderful.
>> The funny thing is I didn't have time to
translate.
>> Then what happened?
>> The answer just came out.
>> That's exactly what we've been working
toward.
>> I couldn't believe it.
How did you feel afterward?
>> Proud.
>> You should be.
>> A few months ago, I would have been
terrified.
>> I remember.
>> Now, I still make mistakes.
>> Everyone does.
>> But they don't scare me anymore.
>> That's a huge improvement.
I finally understand what you meant
>> about mistakes.
>> Yes.
>> What do you understand now?
>> Mistakes aren't my enemy.
>> Exactly.
>> They help me improve.
>> That's the right mindset.
>> I also started using new words
immediately.
The three sentence method
>> every time.
>> Has it helped
>> a lot?
>> Good.
>> I remember words much longer now
>> because you're using them,
>> not just memorizing them.
>> Exactly.
>> And there's one more thing.
>> I'm listening.
I don't spend as much time worrying
about grammar anymore.
>> Really,
>> I still study grammar.
>> That's important.
>> But I don't try to think about every
rule while speaking.
>> That's a smart change.
Instead, I use sentence patterns
>> like I need and I want.
>> Yes. And many others.
>> Excellent.
>> Speaking feels much faster now
>> because your brain is becoming more
automatic.
>> You know what?
>> What? At the beginning, I thought I had
a speaking problem.
>> And now,
>> now I realize I had a training problem.
>> That's a powerful realization.
>> I wasn't training my brain correctly.
>> But now you are.
>> Yes.
>> So, tell me honestly.
Okay.
>> Do you think your English is perfect
now?
>> Not even close.
>> Then why do you look so confident?
>> Because I don't need perfect English
anymore.
>> I love that answer.
>> I just need to keep improving.
>> That's exactly how successful learners
think.
And for the first time, I actually enjoy
learning English.
>> That's the best result of all.
>> Thank you for helping me.
>> You did the hard work, Tom.
>> Maybe.
>> No, maybe about it.
>> You're right.
>> So, if a beginner asked you for advice
today, what would you say?
I'd say this.
>> Go ahead.
>> Don't wait until your English is
perfect.
>> Great advice.
>> Speak every day.
>> Yes.
>> Use new words immediately.
>> Absolutely.
>> Don't be afraid of mistakes.
>> Exactly.
Think in English whenever you can.
>> Perfect.
>> And most importantly,
>> what's that?
>> Train your brain, not just your memory.
>> That's a wonderful lesson.
>> It's the lesson that changed everything
for me.
>> And your English journey is only
beginning.
I know.
>> Ready for the next challenge
>> more than ever.
>> Then let's keep learning.
>> Let's do it,
>> friends.
Learning English is not about studying
harder.
It's about training your brain every
day.
Speak more,
think more,
and use English in real life.
Don't be afraid of mistakes.
>> Every mistake is a step forward.
>> Keep practicing.
Keep believing in yourself
>> and keep training your brain in English.
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